China reports two additional H7N9 avian flu cases in Henan Province

The Health and Family Planning Commission of Henan Province reported that two male patients infected with avian influenza A(H7N9) , aged 59 and 36, have passed away. They were from Luohe and Yongcheng respectively.

H7N9 avian influenzaImage/Cynthia S. Goldsmith and Thomas Rowe

According to a report from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, under the routine environmental surveillance in affected provinces like Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Guangdong, the positive rate of H7N9 among environmental samples collected from live poultry markets or other live poultry-related environments increased in December 2016 and was higher than the rates in the same period in previous years.

As the H7N9 virus continues to be detected in animals and environments in the Mainland, additional human cases are expected in affected and possibly neighboring areas such as Hong Kong, prompting Hong Kong officials to advise the public to avoid touching birds, poultry or their droppings and visiting poultry markets or farms during travel, particularly in the upcoming Lunar New Year holidays.

If feeling unwell, such as having a fever or cough, wear a mask and seek medical advice at once. Travelers returning from affected areas should consult doctors promptly if symptoms develop, and actively inform the doctors of their travel history for prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Adults and parents should also look after children with extra care in personal, hand, food and environmental hygiene against infections during travel.